Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[CathC]

Such a lot of posts ! 

Hi Berkshire Lass, sorry to hear you've been suffering from the dreaded nausea. How are you feeling now?

hbunny - how are things going with you?

Hope you're still feeling well.

Wendy - how's the cold now? I hope it hasn't put off your treatment.

ETA: reading through the posts I see you have a chest infection. Hope it clears up soon.

Thanks for letting me know your first radiotherapy went okay. Any hints or suggestions for handling the treatment? I'm starting to look ahead to when I start and any advice would be welcome.

Hard to believe you'll be finished on 22nd Oct! Doesn't time fly when you're having fun. lol

Clare, great to hear from you. How are you feeling on the herceptin? Any SE?

slyolddog, good to hear your side-effects aren't as bad as last time.

Morag, were you able to have your 5th TAX?

shoes - sending you massive hugs. You really are going through the mill with your treatment.

How are you feeling now, and when do they hope to start your TAX again?

Day 18 of 4th chemo and still doing okay. Pain in my chest is still there, but not as bad. I had a bit of down day yesterday, and not even cake could cheer me up. *Shocked face* Today, hopefully, will be a better day. I’m determined to pull on my big girl pants and get on with it.

Hugs to all those who need it.

Cath

[shoes220]

i have a picc it was put in by a surgeon and was not unpleasent this was in June and now i dont even know it is there. A district nurse comes and flushes in the week. Glad i had it put in

[WP23]

Hi Slyolddog,

glad to hear you SE's have been predictable but less severe this time, long may that continue.

It is rubbish travelling, but I have enrolled lots of helpers so not too bad. Have got antibiotics from GP this morning as slight hint of chest infection, so better to be safe than sorry.

Hope you and everyone else has a good weekend, its pouring down here!!!! it will probably never stop now it has started lol 🙂 x

Take care

Wendy

[WP23]

Hi shoes

so sorry to her you are having such trouble, you are in the best place to get sorted though.

Hope things improve for you very soon.

Sending you massive big hugs xx

Wendy

[WP23]

Hi Clare

I am not starting Herceptin until after radiotherapy, I am going to go on the Persephone Trial, which looks at 6 months Herceptin against 12. I will have heart scans shortly and start Herceptin as soon as radiotherapy finishes on 22nd October. Sorry to hear you are experiencing so many delays, how many have you had? have you had delay every time, my nurses have said after the first one you should be in and out in 20 mins!!!!! I was hoping to use my lunch hour!!!! have you had any nasty SE's with Herceptin??

Take care

Wendy x

[shoes220]

Sorry guys unable to use unternet in hospital been in twice in one week. Found out i have blood clots and haveing to have injections every day for 6 months. Then they thought i had blood clot on my  lung but not the case i am glad to say. it seems its my COPD thats a problem. So for 2 weeks not been able to have my weekly tax so start next i hope The FEC has certainly upset my system it has caused the blood clots my legs and feet blew up and the skin was so tight .so when i went for the ultra sound she found some clots between my groin and knee.

Anyway hope you are all okay will try to catch up with posts tomorrow.

.

[Slyolddog]

Afternoon July Ladies

Well, here I am a week after my second Tax and I have to say thew side effects have been less this time, I guess its my body getting used to being poisoned and a little of knowing whats good to do before they hit.  I've just looked back at my comments from my last Tax as I had terrible lower back pain yesterday and sure enough it hit at exactly the same time last treatment. At least something's predictable! I'll get plenty of painkillers in for next time.

Clare - have you finished your chemo, I can't remember. Do you have to have weekly Herceptin injections, how long does that treatment last, and then what?  I still can't believe how many different treatments there are for this type of cancer, it's clearly not a one size fits all.

Wendy - glad to see your first radiotherapy went well, I hope your cold wears off quickly and doesn't affect treatment. A 100 mile round trip for radiotherapy is extreme! I was given the choice of three hospitals, none of which are the one where I've had my ops and chemo, and have chosen the nearest one at Reading even though it means being referred on. I'm still waiting to hear when it will start, I'll need to see a different oncologist (still didn't get to see the one I was allocated) and then get dates set up. How many sessions are you having? Hopefully you'll be all done before the weather turns, I'm not looking forward to going to Reading every day in winter weather.

Berkshire Lass - I hope your nausea is improving.  Like you my hospital reduced the anti sickness for Tax as it is supposed to be a less common side effect.  I did however ask to be given Emend with the first Tax and some to take home, which I haven't used but will keep just in case. Everybody reacts differently to these treatments, I haven't had sickness with Tax, just the pains. To be honest, I'd swap Tax for FEC any day, rather nausea than the pains.

Pam - I can't help with information about the PICC as it's something I've just about managed to avoid so far. I had full node clearance but this was before chemo and not after. While I recovered quickly from the SNB the ANC has taken longer. I still do my physio, although not as often as I should, as it helps. Two months is not much paid sick leave when you factor in chemo and operations, but it seems to be considerably more than some are getting.

Morag - were your bloods good enough for your 5th Tax to go ahead yesterday, I hope they were. The pre-chemo blood test always makes me nervous, so much hangs on it.  And 2 weddings in 2 weeks, that's pretty full on. I get knackered just doing the weekly shop.

Hbunny - Hair!! You've got me examining my head every morning with my make up mirror. My husband thinks there is some coming but I'm not convinced yet, I still look like an egg in my opinion. 

Cath - I hope you're still doing Ok with side effects.  Have you fallen into a cake yet??? 

Flossie - with regard to the bone pain from Tax I can only say that I've only taken standard painkillers and Ibuprofen, and not many painkillers at all as the ones I've got make me gag. Must get soluble ones for next time. Glad to see you've managed to stay busy, I know what you mean about the steroids, no wonder they're banned for athletes!

I hope all of you are having a manageable time under whatever part of the 'process' you're going through. It's reassuring to know we're all getting towards the end of treatment.  Have a great weekend, looks like the weather's about to change which I don't personally mind, I'll be glad when its cooler at night.  xx

[sugar8]

Hi July ladies

I haven't been online for a while but reading through your posts shows that everyone appears upbeat which is great news. Your SE's are continuing their patterns. Knowing what they were always made it easier for me to preempt and treat the symptoms to reduce the SE's  and cope better hence I could continue working through out treatment.

Belated Happy Birthday to Karen

I am now on herceptin an thought the process would be quicker. Not!  Had a 3hr delay on Weds for weight, Blood pressure then injection, 30mins observation for any SEs then home. I really thought that I would have been in and out of the hosp within an hour. Expectations eh? LOL

Wendy have you started your herceptin yet? What was your experience like?

Keep strong ladies. You will get to the end of chemo soon and start feeling much better. Sending you hugs 

love

Clare (sugar8)

[WP23]

Hi Cath

Cold is worse so going to doctors this morning. First radiotherapy was ok yesterday just hope this cold isn't going to turn into anything worse and put a stop to treatment.
What a day you had eh and no answer at the end of it, but as you say, they know what it isn't!!!!!
Ill mention mine to GP this morning, and hope I don't spend the rest of the day at hospital 🙂

Hope you are feeling better today.

Hope everyone else is doing well 🙂

Wendy x

[hbunny]

Hi Pam,  like you I am tn, like a few others on this thread, however didn't need a full node clearance, so can't help with that one, however I have worked throughout chemo, I only get 1 weeks sick leave, so that went on the op, however I'm glad I did as its kept my mind on other things and a semblance of normality.  

I'm wondering if you mean FEC rather than FED + TAX.  For me fec side effects were worse on day 2-3, whereas TAX has been days 4-5, more tired on tax, but that could be a cumulative, flu type feeling, raised temp, bone & muscle ache, sore throat, indegestion and headache.  FEC was more nausea, hair fell put around day 14 of first cycle, so you are right on target.  Can't give any advice re the picc either, but I'm sure others will be along very soon.  Good luck with your journey, time flies and you will be finished before you know it.  Hbunny

[BerkshireLass]

Hi All,

Many belated thanks to those who replied to my first post.  I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, but was just sooo low and then when the final dose of FEC SEs finally wore off, I was in a whirly fitting 3 weeks of living into 5 days.

A couple of people have mentioned itchy/watery eyes - I've had this too, ususally in week 3.  I have found that eye drops,  eg optrex,  do help.  I put them in at night and then first thing (and then wait 15mins before putting in contact lenses).

I'm now in my first Taxotere cycle (combined with Herceptin and Perjeta).  First few days were OK, slightly achy legs but got out for a walk each day, but then went downhill with sore throat, temperature and achy limbs on day 5 and the dreaded nausea on day 6.  Threw up on day 8.  Marginally better today but still can't kick the nausea, which for me really is the worst bit.  Dr reduced the anti-nausea drugs slightly this time as she thought Tax would be less of problem in that regard, but think I will be asking for them to up the meds again for the next couple of cycles.

[CathC]

Wendy - how's the cold now? Here's hoping it hasn't developed into anything serious.

Did you mention your muscle pain to your BC nurse? I phoned the helpline yesterday and they told me to go to my GP, who in turn told me to go to A&E. Spent 6 hours there while they ruled out heart problems and DVT. They still don't know what the pain is, but now they know what it isn't. lol

Hiya Pam,

Sorry can't help with info on TAX or a PICC, but I know a few of the other July ladies have used both and will probably jump in with some advice.

BC can be scary, but there is great support on this site, and just being able to talk to someone going through the same or similar thing, is such a relief.

Jump into the thread any time, and good luck with your second FED.

Hugs to all

Cath

[Whitfield]

Hi everyone, Pam here dropping in from Sept sunbeams so how you don't mind. I've been reading your threads and posts in hope of some encouragement as you are a few months ahead of me. I grade 3 TNBC and have been told I need full node clearance and am having chemo FED x 4 the Tax. I'm come g io to my second FED and hair is dropping out quite a bit. I'm not using the cold cap as my oncon said I will loose my hair with the Tax so I was surprised to hear that some of you have hair coming back already.

I'm coping okay with the fed and wondered what you guys thought of Tax and is there anything I need to prepare for?

Unlike some of you my work are being mean and only paying me full pay for 😒 two months as as I have to have chemo, removal and then rads I'm wondering if anyone has managed to get back to work after the chemo before the opp. Even if I managed a week this would help.

Some of you mention PICC and I'm wondering when you had this out in as my hospital has mentioned this but I'm a bit afraid of having something permanent in my body. Does it hurt when in and what care does it need?

I'm still pretty frightened by the whole BC thing so it's nice to read your posts as it make me realise they is an end r the horrid experience.

Any advice much appreciated.

Pam

[WP23]

Hi Cath

Being back at work is good as I have missed everyone, but everything has changed and I am finding it a struggle to get my head around, I am only doing 2 x half days at the moment so it is slow going.

I have woke up this morning with a cold and feel rubbish!!!! the price of doing so much over the last couple of weeks probably taking its toll. Temperature ok though so just dose up with painkillers and march on 🙂

I have also had aches and pains in my non cancer breast that feel muscular, I am going to see how it is in a couple of days and then speak to breast nurse.
Life is never going to be the same again is it always going to be worrying about every little ache.

Hope everyone is ok and feeling as good as they can.

Wendy xx

[CathC]

hbunny, hope you're still escaping the bone pain this time.

Enjoy your raid on the chocolate store. 

Hi Wendy - hmmm, a book on cake... I could do that. It would take a lot of research, though. lol

Speaking of which, I tasted carrot cake for the first time yesterday and it doesn't taste anything like carrots!!

How are you finding it, being back at work? Are you in every day or just a few days a week?

Yay for your hair growing back, but what a bummer it's growing back grey. I figure that mine will do the same seeing as I've been dying it the last few years to cover the encroaching grey.

So glad you had a good time with hubby. It's nice to get away, especially when the weather has been so nice.

Good luck for your first radiotherapy session on Thursday - let us know how it goes. 100 mile round trip sounds a lot, although mine will be about 80/90 when the time comes. Fun!

Morag, how did it go at the onc yesterday? Did the make-up work?

Good luck for Thurs and Fri.

Day 16 of 4th chemo. SE’s still minimal, although I’ve developed a pain over my left breast – the cancer-free one. It feels a bit like muscle pain, anyone else have that? I shall phone the help line later to check it’s nothing to worry about.

Hugs to all

Cath

[hbunny]

Wow candifloss, where do you get that energy, even with steroids that's pretty amazing. I thought I was doing well working full time, but have to say the energy has now left me.  Needing to take days 4&5 off as they seem to be my worst (day 5 today) and only just surfaced from bed!  Side effects seem to be taking a similar Patten to the last tax, flu symptoms, headache, bone pain, especially knees, I heard the antihistamine in claritin is very useful for this and I take just one along with the injection which does seem to help, also checked it out with the nurses and they did say it made sense and to carry on if it helped.  Also raised temp again, so will keep an eye on that.  Hoping to join you at work tomorrow though, like you say the normality dampens down the crap side effects.  Oh forgot to say, taste buds going quickly, so off to raid the chocolate store.  Hugs all round hbunny

[mogs33]

Karen2609... Happy belated birthday ! Hope you had a fab day x

[mogs33]

Hi ladies,
Shoes.. I'm sure your weekly chemo will fly by and hope it is much gentler on you . I am seeing onc today so will pile on the makeup and leave hubby at home ! Lol

Candyflossie..... Congrats on your 5th chemo and your energiser bunny energy. Hope this continues and you have min SEs .

WP23....... Wow! A finishing date , that must feel amazing ? A countdown to normality. Hope all goes well with the radiotherapy.
Cathc..........glad your feeling ok. Our poor veins , I find myself apologising to my body for what I'm putting it through but it will recover . Glad to hear you haven't lost your appetite for cake !

Slyolddog......glad 2nd tax went well and hope you have min SEs .

Hbunny......my hair does appear to be growing back. I actually went outside and could feel the wind blowing through it ! Odd sensation but nice .i was thinking the tax would get rid of it but now Im thinking I might just hold onto it !
HorseslAve.....thanks about the gym advice I will ask about that today. I miss the gym , I have been doing a bit at home but its not the same. I'm glad your having an easier time on FEC ...nearly at the finish line .

JuSt.... I am going to meet up with you this week, by hook or by crook !

Not been on for a while , 2 weddings in 2 weeks (knackered) and yet again chemo 4 postponed due to low neutrophils 0.6 ! So Bloods and review today and hopefully first tax on Thursday and herceptin on Friday.
Should have been my 5th this week but delay after delay ....will get there in the end but I was hoping it would all be done by Christmas and now it looks like radiotherapy will be in the new year!
I hope everyone has a good week, eats what they want, doesn't worry about too much and feels the wind blowing through their hair(even if it's only one hair ) soon.
Love Morag

[WP23]

Hi July ladies,

The thread has been very active this weekend and everyone seems really upbeat which is great, the end really is in sight now *big cheers* 🙂

CathC - I think you should write a book on cake!! it would be hilarious, new wardrobe sounds fab too 🙂

Candyflossie - I am exhausted just reading your post, I have no idea how you manage it, wish I had your energy 🙂

Horseslave - It is really good that your employer is continuing to pay you full pay, mine wrote to me to say if I was not back at work by October 1st I would be going onto half pay, hence back at work on phased return last week. The 6 months or so I have been off will stay with me for another year too, so cannot be ill again!!!! *fingers crossed*

Hbunny - I never lost all of my hair, always had a little fluffy covering that is starting to grow a bit now, but it is grey, may have to wear a wig for ever, refuse to go out with grey hair 😞 everyone thinks I am a natural blonde!!!!!!!?????lol

Karen - belated birthday greetings, hope you had a lovely day. Sorry to hear you are having 6 weekly sessions, but SE's may be few and far between, hope your veins cope with the added pressure, sending hugs x

I have been away for a long weekend, visiting Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Leek ..... was beautiful weather and had good time just me and hubby for wedding anniversary 🙂

Hope everyone is ok today and the week goes by relatively smoothly for all, first radiotherapy session on Thursday, not looking forward to the 100 mile round trip on a daily basis but needs must eh.

Take care everyone

Wendy x

[CathC]

Hiya Candyflossie, so good to hear from you that all is going well.

Hard to believe most of us are hitting our 4/5th chemo. Seems no time since we started this journey.

Sorry, have no idea about the Gabapentine or its SE's. Try giving it a miss and see how the pains go. Maybe this time you'll get lucky and the bone pain will be easier.

How is the constipation now? I try to pre-empt mine by taking the Laxido the day before chemo and for the next few days of the cycle. Plus my trusty prune juice. It worked on my last chemo so maybe it will work for you too?

Business trip, wedding and a 13th birthday party! Not a bit of wonder you're tired, but I know what you mean by trying to keep things normal. (Whatever that is. lol)

Have a good day at work.

Day 15 of 4th chemo and still feeling well. *touches wood.* The only downside at the moment is I appear to have put on weight. No idea how that happened. I have it on strict authority that cakes don't have calories. lol

Will worry about the weight gain later. For now it's chocolate and cake that's getting me through this. Plus, it will be a great excuse for a new wardrobe when the  time comes.

Hugs to all

Cath

[Candyflossie]

Good morning ladies,

I feel guilty for not appearing that often on the thread, but always busy with work or too tired to write up. I do, however, read your threads and feel uplifted by your resilience and courage and giggle a lot seeing some of your funny comments, Hbunny and CathC.

Hope everyone is coping this week, some of you, like me, would be on your 5th treatment (my 5th TAX was yesterday), I am behaving like the energizer bunny for a few days, due to steroids, I was up a few times last night and ended up getting up at 4am and starting doing packed lunches, cleaning up the kitchen and offloading dishwasher. I know this will only last till Wednesday though...

Look good feel better- great afternoon and very nice goodies, I am a makeup addict anyway, so that fed my addiction really well.

My first TAX experience was not very good, constipation had taken its tool for nearly the whole 3weeks, getting a nasty **bleep** fisure (they gave me lactulose and some rectal cream which helped). I has 4 Filgrastin injections which helped with the blood counts and was told to take Gabapentine, which I did, but was wondering if that was necessary as I have had only a couple of days with bone pain and think those Gabapentine tablets have lots of SE's themselves, if anyone can feedback on this, would really appreciate it. My plan is to not take them this time and brave it with regular painkillers... watch this space...

This time round I am armed with the knowledge, so hope to prevent some of the SE's.

I was really busy last week as felt pretty well, went on a business trip as well, only UK based though, planning to go on Wednesday too, all being well. It's what keeps me going, having normality is priceless...

Had a fab weekend, with one of best friend's wedding and even danced a few times, then Sunday - daughter's 13th birthday and baked her a Lorraine Pascal chocolate cake, covered in Maltesers  yummy... death by chocolate.

Anyway, that's the summary so far, not had radiotherapy scheduled but they will do this on my last TAX which all being well should go ahead on 20th October. Counting down now - 6weeks till PICC line comes out and approx 11 weeks till all ends, just in time for Xmas do 

Hope to hear only the best news from everyone this week, jumping in the shower now (or as my hubby would say: step in carefully) and get ready to go to work.

I will try and report on Friday, as it'll probably be my off day if anything goes like the first TAX.

Love to all xx

Flossie

[hbunny]

Morning Cath and co.  Glad to hear you are escaping the side effects, it does make life so much easier.  Mouth not too bad, somewhat fuzzy and taste could be better, but so far not as bad as the 1St doc, so hopefully the ice pops helped a bit.  As for the hair, as long as it's not gray I'm happy, but can't tell at present still more fluff than hair, but still it's there!  All in all not bad for day 4.  Just hoping to escape the bone pain this time.

Hope everyone's day is a good one.  Hugs hbunny

[CathC]

Hi Horseslave - Good luck for Thursday. 5/6! How time flies, huh? LOL

I'm due my 5th next week, and, like you, can't wait to be able to say only one more to go.

Good luck for Thursday.

Hugs

Cath

[Horseslave]

Morning! Yes the FEC is a zillion times easier than TAX. In my opinion. I felt more queasy on FEC but less knocked out?
This Thursday is 5/6 so I will be able to say just one more to go after that.
That gives November and December off to recover then back to work on phased return January. Work have kept me on full pay until then, I am really fortunate that I haven't had to worry financially.

Your oncologist can refer you to a scheme where you get reduced rate at the gym locally? Its an idea for rebuilding, getting fit again as I for one, feel so unfit and tired all the time!

[CathC]

Good morning, July ladies.

The start of another week, and another week closer to the finish line.

hbunny, how's the mouth today? Can't believe your hair is growing back already. What colour do you think it will turn out?

Karen, have the docs said anything about putting a port in, in case your veins don't hold up?

Day 14 of 4th chemo and SE's are still minimal. Whoo-hoo.

Good luck to all going through treatment this week.

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Morning Ladies

Cath - glad to hear that the nasty taste isn't so bad this time round. I sometimes think this is one of the worst side effects as it lasts so long and I do love my food!! I find that even though most good tastes awful I just keep eating in the hope of getting rid of the taste.

Hbunny - I didn't think about cases where both sides are involved so you have no good arm. I had node clearance on one side, thankfully only 2 nodes involved. They were worried as my symptoms first showed up in lymph nodes rather than breast so I had ct and bone scan immediately while waiting for biopsy results. Up until a week ago I wasn't worried about my veins holding up as only had 2 more treatments, now I've got another 6 so got to keep my fingers crossed.

My onc did say that hair would prob start to grow back on Tax so sounds promising that you have some sprouting already. I cold capped so can't really tell if there is anymore coming through yet, I do have quite a lot of hair left although it is thin and wild.

Enjoy your Sunday

Hugs, Karen x

[hbunny]

Hi Karen, shaving legs well just occasionally, twice I think since the beginning, however now you've said that anyone sprouting head hair, I haven't wanted to get too excited in case it all falls out again but I got a slight baby fluff just before 3rd fec and its now darkening and seems to be getting stronger - a loooong way to go however before I will leave my trusted wigs behind, still looking like a convict underneath, but nice to see something positive up top, it's getting inspected daily!!

I had 4 lymph nodes removed 1 infiltrated, hence the radiotherapy, but as they say if you have bc in both sides they have to use one.  No lymphodema so hoping it will stay that way.  The nurse did say that the vein was hard as well in that side, so the damm stuff is making its mark on all the veins.  Don't think the ice pops worked already getting the sensation of taste buds giving up.  

Hope everyone is having a good day. Hbunny

[CathC]

hbunny, glad the chemo went well yesterday. How's the mouth now?

Hi, Karen - good to hear you sounding upbeat. I'm with you re shaving leg hair. I don't have to shave much, but I do have to shave some. Really thought that would be gone.

It's a gorgeous day here today and I'm not long back from having lunch with my mum. So stuffed, I can hardly move and can foresee an afternoon nap in my future. lol

Day 12 of 4th chemo and feeling pretty good. Mouth ulcers didn't appear this time, although the yucky taste in my mouth did put in an appearance. Not as bad as previous sessions so I'm guessing that's linked to the reduced dose the doc gave me. whatever it is, I'll take it.

Hope all the other July ladies are having a great weekend

Hugs to all

Cath

[Karen2609]

Hi Ladies

JuSt - thank you for the birthday wishes I had a lovely day, thanks. Hope you are feeling good and enjoying the weekend.

Slyolddog and hbunny - congrats on having completed number 5, it's amazing that you only have 1 left as it doesn't seem that long ago that we were the newbies on here worrying about our first treatment.

Good on you Slyolddog getting everything done while you can, feel free to come and clean my house when you've finished. Hope you don't crash and burn too much come Monday but if you do, make the most of it and rest.

Hbunny - sorry to hear about the problems with your veins, I'm always worried they won't be able to find one when I go. Have you had lymph nodes removed in arm they had to use? At least you only have to hold out for one more session, hope you manage a couple of good days before the SE's kick in. I've never managed to suck ice pops whilst having chemo due to bad timing and melting issues and although I tend to get a sore mouth and horrid taste I've managed to avoid ulcers so far, hope you will be ok too.

Cath - hope you are starting to feel a bit better and I'm very glad to hear you are still up for eating cake lol! Only 2 left for you too so that finishing line is def in sight.

Thanks for all the info about pachitaxol, I'm relieved that it seems slightly gentler than docetaxol so have my fingers crossed that although I won't have a 'good' week it won't be too bad.

On another note, am I the only one who still has to shave her legs? That was the only side effect I was looking forward to but my legs are still spouting on a regular basis!

Have a lovely weekend, all

Hugs, Karen

[hbunny]

Mourning Karen.  Happy 49th birthday first of all, hope you have a really spoilt rotten day.  Chemo went OK yesterday, although no veins doing so had to use the other arm. Sucking on ice pops the whole time but tongue already feels a little tingly this am so not sure if that's going to work.

So sorry to hear your extended treatment, so dissapointing, although the pachitaxol is what's used in America, as the side effects are much less than docetaxol, which is why it can be tolerated weekly, just more expensive, so you might have come off with a better option, I think it's the next generation docetaxol.  Just hope the veins stand up well.

Slydog how are you feeling today, three weeks to go and all finished, never to return! 

Ruby congrats on your finish, hope you can enjoy the release with no final side effects.  Have some chockie cake for me.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, will be thinking about you all whoever you may be.  Hugs bunny xx

[CathC]

Happy 49th Birthday, Karen. I hope you had a fab day, with lots and lots of cake!

Sorry to hear you're not able to finish your docetaxol, but I do think you've made the right decision.

Here's wishing you a very fast, side effect free 6 weeks.

Slyolddog - glad to hear the side effects are mild so far. I guess while you're buzzing on the steroids you should get all your housework done so you can chill out next week when the crash comes.

Hi JuSt, hope you're having a good week.

I'm still feeling reasonably well, and yes, Karen, still up for eating cake if you've any to spare. lol.

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[Slyolddog]

Happy Birthday Karen. 49 eh, just a youngster. I hope you've had a good day and are still fully recovered from your recent infection. Like JuSt all I've heard about pachitaxol is that it's easier on the system. Lets hope that turns out to be the case for you.

I've had my second Tax today and as last time I'm feeling ok at the moment. I'm high as a kite on steroids, came home from the hospital and got busy with the Hoover and then went and did some gardening. Only had 3 and a half hours sleep last night so I am technically knackered but still full of energy! Go figure, as the yanks say. No doubt I'll start to crash in Sunday/Monday after the steroids have stopped.

I hope everyone has a good weekend with manageable side effects. We're getting this done one cycle at a time. X

[JuSt]

Happy Birthday Karen!! Hope you've had a lovely day. Don't know much about the pachitaxol and it's se's, but am sure I remember reading something about it being kinder and gentler than docetaxel so hopefully it will be much easier for you. Enjoy your weekend, birthday hugs,
JuSt
xx

[Karen2609]

Hi All,

Hbunny & Slyolddog - hope your treatment went well today and you are feeling ok. One more to go, must be a good feeling.

Ruby - hope your chemo went well yesterday. Last one whoo hoo, congratulations. Another of our number past the finishing post!

Cath - hope you are feeling ok, how are your veins now? Mine have had a lot of prodding around over last couple of weeks. Are you up to eating cake at the moment?

JuSt - I'm with you on the eating junk food, it's like being pregnant again and craving comfort food. I don't normally like sweets (except chocolate ones) but can't get enough haribo at the moment. Hope you are ok and enjoying the nice weather.

Wendy - glad you enjoyed your LGFB session and got a bagful of goodies, can't wait for mine. Must be nice having a date for your first radiotherapy, you will be finished that before I'm even finished chemo! Hope all goes well.

Shoes - sorry to hear your chemo has been put back a week as you are not feeling too good. Will be for the best in the long run if it keeps you out of hospital but any delay is so disappointing at the time.

It's my 49th birthday today, went out for breakfast with hubby but intend to really celebrate next year all being well.

Saw my onc on Weds and due to my being hospitalised for a week he said that I can't have the same treatment again. Gave me the choice of remaining 2 docetaxol at reduced strength or 6 weekly pachitaxol, which was his recommendation. So although my heart said 2 more docetaxol I went with my head and start 6 weekly on Tues. Really disappointed as kept thinking only 2 to go but I know come Christmas when (hopefully) this is all finished I would regret not taking his advice.

Going to make the most of this weekend as no more good weeks until this is all done. Does anyone know much about pachitaxol and it's side effects?

Sorry to anyone I've missed, I still get confused scrolling up and down on my phone!
Hope everyone has a good weekend

Love to all x

[CathC]

WP23, Great  news on getting your date for radiotherapy, especially your end date. It won't be long flying through. Bummer on the butterfly tattoos, though. lol

As for the sleeplessness... it started on chemo 3, before that I was doing nothing but sleeping. It's the strangest thing, just can't get the brain to switch off. I can fall asleep for 10 mins and feel like I've slept all night.

shoes, I know you must be disappointed at having to put your chemo off for another week, but I'm sure the doctor wouldn't suggest it without a good reason.

Did he give you any tips to help build yourself up?

Day 9 of 4th chemo and still feeling reasonably well.  The veins in my arm are starting to protest and I’m worried I may run out of viable ones before the end of treatment. Other than that, things are good.

Hope everyone else is having a good week.

Hugs to all

Cath

[shoes220]

Just a quick note been to see onc today says i look awful [thats nice] to pale and very tired [how does he know] Hubby agreed that i was tired and upset that i cant do normal things [i sat there thinking traitor wait till i get you outside] anyway they both agreed i needed another week of and to start on the 2nd instead.

So note to myself 1. Never go to see onc with out make up on. 2. Have a good nap before as well.

On a more serious note the onc feels i could be in hospital to soon and want me to try and build myself up before they start again, 

Will read posts and try to reply to you all tomorrow think i will go to bed now lol

[shoes220]

Karen Glad to hear you are home bet the bed felt good mine always makes me have a good few hours sleep. Enjoy tomorrow its a special day ask any mum.

[WP23]

Hi everyone

you all seem to be having a good week:)

Karen - glad you are out of hospital in time for your sons birthday, have a great day 🙂

Horseslave - well done to your daughter, you must be so proud of her. My nails look awful, all split and dry, but none have lifted so far thank goodness, I just keep painting them, makes them look a bit better. 🙂
Just - glad all went well for you onwards and upwards to the last one, well done you. Hope your SE's are minimal, take care 🙂 x
Cath - glad your SE's are minimal, cant believe your ward has no freezer, what a drag for hubby, but if it works that is great news. Have you not slept well all through chemo or is it a recent thing??? hope it improves soon, you could always try a glass or 2 of wine to send you off to the land of nod. 🙂 x
Shoes - really hope you don't suffer too much on weekly tax, good luck for Thursday, xx
Slyolddog - Hope all goes well with bloods and you get 5th Tax on Friday, one step closer to the finishing line eh, brilliant 🙂 married 25 years in October, are you going to celebrate in style after chemo?? no department ever talks to another in hospitals i'm convinced of that fact!:( x

Thanks for all of your good wishes for work and radiotherapy, both went well. Start treatment on Thursday 2nd October and finish 22nd October, (always like to have finish date to look forward to!), they wouldn't agree to give me butterfly tattoos so had to make do with the dots!! very boring 🙂 I also had to have my photo taken with my name and a number on a piece of paper beside me, thought I was going to be carted off to bloody jail!!!!! ah ah ah they said it was for security!!
Also went along to lgfb session yesterday, it was really nice and got fab bag of goodies to bring home, was nice to be pampered for the afternoon.

Everyone is getting there with the chemo journey now, I think we have all done really well, big cheers to everyone xx

Wendy 🙂

[CathC]

JuSt - so glad everything went well for you yesterday. About time, after all the upsets you've had lately.

Sounds like everyone is having good news this week. Long may it continue.

Hugs

Cath

[JuSt]

Hi all,

Cath - thanks for your good luck for yesterday,  Keeping your fingers crossed seems to have worked - canula went in first time and not too painfully (non-surgery arm), had anti-histamine so no reaction this time and was all done by lunchtime - result!  Thanks again x

Hbunny - good luck for your 2nd tax on Friday - I felt so good coming out yesterday knowing there is only 1 to go after this cycle x

Ruby - sorry to hear you had a bad week and hope you are continuing to feel better.  Good luck for last tax on Thurs - wow! nearly there!! x

Karen - hope you have made it back home now? x

Wendy (WP23) - hope work has gone ok and that your planning appt for radio has your next plans all sorted now - good luck with that! x

Shoes - they didn't mention getting PICC line put in by surgeon, just nurses, but as you've probably read, we managed ok with the canula yesterday and I now only have 1 treatment to go so hopefully it was for the best.  Good luck for your tax on Thursday - weekly, eh?  I still find it amazing all the differences in treatment given.  Hope you are feeling less shaky and tired.  Hubby sounds like he is looking after you with the eye drops and his support - good on him! x

Slyolddog - hope your bloods go ok tomorrow and good luck for 5th tax on Friday.  Hope your veins stay ok - I found it reassuring to know they can use surgery arm if really needed, but was also relieved they didn't need to with mine this time.  I think we just have to take each step as it comes and work out the best way for each of us to get through.  I was talking to two ladies on the ward yesterday - one had had a PICC line in for about a month but had a bad skin reaction so had to have it removed, the other had just come in to have hers put in and it went in quickly and easily so she was pleased and relieved.  There seem to be many choices but guess we will all get through and hopefully look back soon and be pleased we have made it - I think we should be impressed with how well we have done getting there!  Not long to go, good luck x

Horseslave - sounds like the weekend show did you good!  And congrats to your daughter - well done!!  I don't know the answer to the eating rubbish question but I seem to eat more and more each week! I started off this chemo journey trying to eat healthier, drink green tea etc.  The green tea started to taste disgusting very early on so there's been very little of that and my taste buds have definitely veered towards more junk each week - just scoffed a chinese takeaway tonight after padding the day out with choccy biccies and choccy bars - oh well!! I reckon we all deserve it x

Hope everyone else is doing ok with minimum side effects.  Take care all x

JuSt

x

[CathC]

---

@Karen2609 wrote:
Hi Ladies

Just a quick post to let you know they finally let me out at 5pm yesterday, still don't know what caused the infection. Been busy today as son's 9th birthday tomorrow but hope to catch up with you all individual tomorrow.

Take care, Karen x

---

Whoo-hoo! Great news, Karen. I'm sure you're delighted to be home.

It's possible they'll never know what caused the infection, but the good news is they'll probably give you the white cell boosting injection after every chemo now to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Enjoy being at home, and many happy returns to your son.

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Hi Ladies

Just a quick post to let you know they finally let me out at 5pm yesterday, still don't know what caused the infection. Been busy today as son's 9th birthday tomorrow but hope to catch up with you all individual tomorrow.

Take care, Karen x

[CathC]

WP23 - good luck for your first day back at work. Hope all goes well. How did your planning appt for radiotherapy go?

slyolddog - I'm climbing out of the SE's - thanks for asking. And delighted to hear you don't have a Tom Selleck moustache! (The mind boggles.lol) I too am focsuing on the pluses of not having any hair - it's bliss not to spend ages shaving body parts, or fussing and fixing with my hair in the mornings.

Cider tastes good with chemo mouth? Hmmmm, must try that out. Funny, I only want to try out all the bad things people suggest, never the good-for-you things. Mind you, we don't suggest them too often.

I'm glad you were able to change your  hospital appt in order to enjoy your wedding anniversary. 25 years! Many congratulations.

Good luck for your bloods tomorrow and  Tax number 5 on Friday.

Karen, you manage to get out of hosptial yet?

shoes - yeah, the tired shaky feeling is very strange. How are you feeling now?

Good luck with your first tax on Thursday.

Horseslave, are you still not sleeping? Do you manage to catch up during the day?

So glad you enjoyed the show, and congrats to daughter - and her rare breed chickens/ducks.

No one has told me to stay positive, they do say I am soooo positive - in that tone of voice that makes you cringe. Why shouldn't I be positive? I'm positive I have cancer, I am positive I will beat it, and I'm positive that if you feed me pavlova I'm gonna be your bestest friend. forever!

As for things to lift our spirits... anything to do with chocolate works for me.

Good luck with the onc visit tomorrow.

Day 8 of 4th Chemo and *fingers crossed* the SE’s are minimal. I’m not sleeping well at night, but other than that and a tender mouth, I’m doing pretty well. I really do think eating an ice lolly during my chemo helped. *Minor rant ahead.*  Why, oh why, can’t the chemo ward have a freezer to store ice lollies instead of hubby having to walk the length of the hospital to the shop?

Hope everyone is feeling well today. Good luck to all having treatment this week.

Hugs

Cath

[Horseslave]

You all seem to be doing so well! Well done, what an inspiration you all are. The SEs are horrid yet you all remain upbeat and have an enduring spirit. Guess what its 3 am, witching hour and I, as per usual am wide awake. Thank goodness for my i pad!
I have no idea how I managed to keep going at the weekend but we went to the Royal Berkshire show, which I can highly recommend, and daughter came back with a stack of rosettes and a shiny cup for her rare breed chickens/ ducks. Caught up with old friends, made new friends. Fell in love with iddy biddy pygmy goats.
I have to say, any traces of cabin fever induced depression have been eradicated.
Its a risk doing weekends away, being near animals, tiring yourself out but I would say that low spirit and mood is far worse for you. So, for all of us, what can we introduce whilst on the chemo regime that will lift our spirits? You will notice I hesitate to use that 'positive' word. The next person to say ' well stay positive' to me (in the blasé way that people do) is likely to regret it lol! It annoys me that someone thinks they have te right to say that without doing something to help you feel positive. Like bring you a chocolate cake.

Food. Why am I eating so much rubbish? I want salty, sugary snacks. Especially pistachio nuts and chocolate raisins? Are raisins one of your five a day?......
Feet. Cracked, sore, tender. Has anyone else experienced similar?
Deep ridges on nails after three TAX. Is that a sign the nails might lift?
All questions for my oncologist this Wedns. They seem fairly shallow, trivial things to worry about - especially with some of you being hospitalised.

[shoes220]

Hi All sorry Karen that you had to spend time in hospital but with a temp its the best place to be. But you will be home soon.

Feeling very tired and shakey inside nice to know that i am not alone with this feeling thought it was just me.

Going to paint my nails black tomorrow as they all have ridges on them then i will be ready for my first weekly tax to start on thursday. I have 9 weeks to go but my onc said if i can get through at least 6 he will be happy.

As to reply to the post about using the surgery arm i was told if you are very ill A&E will use this arm if they cant get a vein in the other.My nurse has given me eye drops tried to do them my self it went every where but in my eyes. so hubby took over before i emptied the bottle.

As for his support its been great we do have words when i get on my high horse and coplain about anything and everything. He said the other week if he could he would go through this for me as he feels he could cope better than me i must admit it made me cry.

Hope all of you that are having treatment this week are well.

[Slyolddog]

Hi Ladies

Blimey, I've been away for a couple of days and things have got very busy on here!

Firstly I'd like to say I hope Karen has been discharged from the hospital and is home with her feet up and a decent cup of tea.  Did they ever find what had caused your temperature to go up?

JuSt - I have asked a few times when struggling with my veins what they could do if they couldn't use my good arm and have been advised that they can use the 'do not use' arm if necessary, they just prefer not to.  I have looked at a number of images on google of PICC lines (I know I know, stay off google!) and they look horrendous to me. You have gone through exactly what I dreaded, I hope they are more succesful for your next treatment with your good arm.

Wendy - I hope your planning appointment went ok this morning and you now have your dates for radiotherapy. Another step nearer to being finished with treatment. The next thing we'll be commenting on is the side effects of the radiotherapy and how to get over them. We'll be waiting for your wise words!

Horseslave - sorry to hear you were under the weather but hope you still managed your weekend away with the chickens. Did they win anything? Triple chocolate cake sounds amazing, I'm not normally a fan of chocolate cake but for some reason its the one thing I've constantly fancied through chemo. Not had any though as I have never found the right type, don't like it too gooey. Hope you're feeling better.

Mogs - glad you enjoyed your week in Norfolk as much as you could. Can't believe you've bought and sold a house in 5 days though! I hope all goes well and you are able to have your first Tax this week if your bloods are up to it.

Cath - I hope you are climbing out of the side effect pit and beginning to feel better. I can confirm that at no point during any of my side effects have I felt anything close to euphoria, I wish I had. I'm hoping to feel pretty euphoric when I get to the end of this though, especially when my hair decides to make its return. On the plus side at least I have no underarm hair or leg hair which needs dealing with. And I don't have a Tom Selleck moustache either.

Ruby - sorry you've had a bad week, I hope your bloods are OK for your last Tax. Another milestone reached, it must feel amazing.

Clare - how nice to have finished your chemo, and how good does a champagne tea sound! I don't think I could drink champagne but this weekend I found that cider tastes pretty good, even with a dodgy taste in my mouth. I may have to get a few tins in just for 'special occasions!'

Panda - poor you, you really are going through it at the moment. I hope your 5th Tax goes OK and you get minimal side effects, sounds like you have more than enough to cope with already.

hbunny- I'm on the same count down as you until Friday for TaX number 5, I hope all is going well for you at the moment.

Most of my Tax side effects have now subsided although not gone completely. The taste is a lot better, I can now drink orange squash again which helps. Some of my finger nails are still complaining, hopefully they'll stay. I'll be cutting them shorter and painting them up dark on Thursday ready for my 5th Tax on friday. Blood test Wednesday, Oncologist on Thursday. The hospital sent me an appointment for an echocardiogram for this Friday and I had to cancel for obvious reasons. They then sent another for the 10th October, which I called to cancel. The lady on the phone got very shirty with me and asked why I had cancelled again and told me she would refer me back to my Onc as I'd refused a second date. When I told her it was my 25th wedding anniversay, I'd already had my chemo put back a week so that I wasn't in hospital on the day and I was not going to be going into hospital that day she sheepishly offerred me a new appointment straight away!!  Why don't these departments speak to each other, I don't expect them to know what the 10th October means to me but it would be nice to not be double booked on my chemo days.

Anyway, enough moaning already. The sun is shining, I'm feeling generally OK so things can't be too bad.  We are all getting nearer to the end of chemo and it's a good feeling. Lets hope we all finish when we're supposed to.

Have a good week everyone and for all those expecting to have treatment I hope your bloods don't let you down and the side effects are minimal. Take care of yourselves ladies. XX

[shoes220]

Just i had mine put in by a surgeon dont they do that at your hospital

[WP23]

Hi ladies

Gosh, so much has happened in a week!!!
Everyone is getting closer to that finishing line, I think it will be you next Ruby, hope all goes well on Thursday. I think your son is spot on with his description.
Claire - liked the poem, your descriptions are spot on 🙂
Hope everyone is well and all having treatment this week don't suffer too much. Hugs to anyone feeling yuck or in hospital - get well soon x

Had a lovely week away and the weather was gorgeous.
Planning appointment for radiotherapy this morning - another journey to begin! feel quite anxious about starting back to work tomorrow but only 2 x half days per week to start with so should be ok.

Hope you all have a good day xx

Wendy

[CathC]

Good morning July ladies. The start of another week, and another week closer to the end of our treatment.

hbunny - good luck for your 5th on Friday.

Ruby, sorry to hear you've had a horrible week, but last tax on Thursday!! Whoo-hoo! So many are reaching that goal post.

Tell your son I love his analogy - very fitting.

Karen, hope you're finally home and in your own bed.

Good luck to those having chemo this week, hope all side effects are minimal.

Hugs

Cath

[ruby44]

Hiya all

Sorry I've not been on but had a horrid week for one reason or another (not chemo related!) and have ended up very short of breath and with probable gastritis from too much Naproxen and all the other meds!! 😝. Anyway feeling a bit better today and need to pick myself up ready for my last tax on Thursday. 😃🎉👍. I've been reading the latest posts and sense an underlying great wave of happiness as everyone approaches the final leg of this horrid treatment. My son described it as your body running a Marathon everyday, on the inside - he's only 14 and I thought that was quite a clever analogy!

Anyway here's to another week. Everyone keep their heads up, or on a pillow!!!

It will soon all be over

Love Ruby xxx